Key facts
- US President Donald Trump met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House.
- Trump announced direct flights to Lebanon for US airlines, resuming a service suspended in 1985.
- Aoun sought US pressure on Israel for troop withdrawal and financing for Lebanon's armed forces and reconstruction.
- Trump stated that Israeli forces are redeploying to other sections of Lebanese territory.
- Trump indicated he would speak to Hezbollah if requested by President Aoun.
US President Donald Trump met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House, announcing direct flights to Lebanon and vowing support for peace with Israel. Aoun sought US pressure on Israel for troop withdrawal and financing for Lebanon's reconstruction and armed forces.
During the meeting, Trump directed his administration to allow all US airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon, a service suspended in 1985 after Hezbollah members hijacked TWA Flight 847. Trump stated that Israeli forces are redeploying to other sections of Lebanese territory, a move that some analysts view as not constituting a full withdrawal.
President Aoun presented the situation as an opportunity for Trump to secure a legacy of peace, emphasizing the objective of ending hostilities between Lebanon and Israel. He also addressed concerns about potential civil war, stating that the framework for disarming Hezbollah is part of Lebanon's constitution and a prerogative of the president.
Trump indicated a willingness to speak with Hezbollah if requested by President Aoun, noting that he speaks to everyone. The US has previously imposed sanctions on entities supporting Hezbollah. The implementation of a recent agreement, which began with 'pilot zone operations' where the Lebanese Armed Forces would disarm Hezbollah as Israeli forces move out, is considered historic by Trump's advisors, though some analysts describe it as a 'small step to nowhere' regarding Lebanese sovereignty.